Brazil booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay at the Neo Química Arena, with Vinicius Jr netting the decisive goal. The Real Madrid star’s second-half strike followed a clever assist from Matheus Cunha, earning new Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti his first victory at the helm.
The win ended Paraguay’s impressive nine-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers. Despite the loss, Paraguay remain close to securing qualification themselves, holding a six-point advantage over Venezuela with two games remaining.
Brazil’s qualification marked a historic moment for Ancelotti, who celebrated his 66th birthday just hours before kickoff. Fans paid tribute with a giant mosaic in Brazil’s signature green and yellow reading, “Congratulations, Carletto.” This is the third time Brazil have qualified for a World Cup at the Neo Química Arena, following similar milestones in 2017 and 2021.
Ecuador Celebrate Fifth World Cup Appearance
Ecuador also secured qualification after holding Peru to a 0-0 draw in Lima. Peru needed all three points but couldn’t break through Ecuador’s resolute defense, even after Alan Franco received a red card in the 75th minute. Piero Hincapié and Willian Pacho were instrumental in Ecuador’s solid backline, and the final whistle sparked wild celebrations from coach Sebastián Beccacece and his squad.
Uruguay and Colombia Edge Closer
Uruguay are now virtually assured of qualification after a commanding 2-0 win, powered by goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and a stunning long-range effort from Giorgian de Arrascaeta. Marcelo Bielsa’s team are six points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela and boast a strong goal difference.
In a thriller in Argentina, Colombia came close to victory thanks to a brilliant solo goal from Luis Díaz, who dribbled past multiple defenders to score. Although Argentina equalized through Thiago Almada after Enzo Fernández was sent off, Colombia’s draw keeps them comfortably in the qualification zone. Díaz’s goal made him the first Colombian to score in Argentina in World Cup qualifying since 1997, moving him within one goal of Colombia’s top five all-time scorers.
Bolivia Keep Play-Off Hopes Alive
Bolivia revived their World Cup hopes with a 2-0 win over Chile in El Alto. Miguel Terceros opened the scoring early, and despite being reduced to ten men after Lucas Chavez’s early dismissal, Bolivia held firm. They regained numerical balance when Chile’s Francisco Sierralta was sent off shortly after halftime. Enzo Monteiro sealed the result, putting Bolivia just one point behind Venezuela, who currently occupy the intercontinental play-off spot.
LND/SAE
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